BBC viewers fume as 'brilliant' new drama overshadowed by Wimbledon
A brand new drama is currently airing on the BBC, but the show has been pushed to the wayside with Wimbledon currently taking up a lot of the TV schedule
BBC enthusiasts are up in arms as the much-anticipated new drama The Turkish Detective has been eclipsed by a barrage of sports broadcasts.
The UK's summer may have been dampened by persistent rain, yet the world of sports is ablaze with excitement, featuring Wimbledon, the UEFA European Football Championship, and the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, this sporting frenzy has wreaked havoc on regular programming schedules, leaving audiences bewildered and fans of The Turkish Detective downright furious.
Labelled "ridiculous" by some, the fresh BBC drama springs from Barbara Nadel's acclaimed novels and kicked off last Sunday on BBC Two, with its second instalment following on Monday, July 8. The series casts EastEnders alum Haluk Bilginer as Inspector Cetin Ikmen, who plunges into the murky depths of Istanbul's criminal underbelly, exposing its perilous secrets.
While the entire eight-part series is accessible for binge-watching on BBC iPlayer since Sunday (July 7), those who prefer traditional TV viewing are lamenting the erratic airing times. Disgruntled viewers have taken to social media platforms to vent their displeasure as sporting events continue to overshadow BBC One's usual lineup.
A particularly incensed viewer vented: "Totally f**king sick of this s**t on TV! Absolutely taking liberties with our license fee! This c**p should be on BBC Two and not ruining my enjoyment," reports the Mirror.
A disgruntled viewer complained: "Why is it that football and tennis is taking over both BBC1 and BBC 2 at the moment. What about the viewers who do not like these sports and still pay their license fee? It should be one channel or the other, not both."
However, despite the outcry, several fans expressed their admiration for the programme. A satisfied viewer observed: "Fascinatingly gorgeous place, Istanbul. To my surprise this evening stumbled on The Turkish Detective on BBC Two while waiting for Wimbledon to go away on BBC One!"
Another fan applauded the series stating: "Ep.1 of The Turkish Detective, on BBC, based on the books by Barbara Nadel was excellent. I love the books and this really captures their essence, with a charismatic cast and a gritty plot."
A third chimed in: "We watched The Turkish Detective starring Haluk Bilginer as Inspector Ikmen. Haluk was Mehmet Osman in Eastenders back in the day, it was an enjoyable watch, like a Turkish Bergerac."
With Wimbledon progressing into its latter stages this week, tennis matches may easily last three or four hours, potentially concluding late into the evening at 9:30pm.